Two with local ties honored at White House

The White House this week honored two people who grew up in Natick and have overcome challenges to help and inspire others as "Champions of Change."

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Jul. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 27, 2013 at 4:55 AM

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Jul. 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 27, 2013 at 4:55 AM

» Social News

The White House this week honored two people who grew up in Natick and have overcome challenges to help and inspire others as "Champions of Change."

Anjali Forber-Pratt, 29, and Zachary Garafalo, 27, who now live in Illinois and New York, respectively, were recognized at the White House Thursday in connection to the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"It was a very humbling experience," Garafalo said. "It was a tremendous honor I think to be around (other awardees and federal leaders) and hear about all the great stuff they’re doing out in their communities. It was inspiring"

Garafalo, who built a mentoring program for youth with disabilities who are at risk of being in the juvenile justice system, and Forber-Pratt, a Paralympic athlete and motivational speaker who devotes time to helping kids with disabilities, were among eight people honored Thursday at the White House.

Claudia Gordon, associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, wrote in a blog post that they were honored "for their advocacy efforts, their innovative projects and their embodiment of the spirit of the ADA."

They participated in a panel and talked with federal leaders. Forber-Pratt also participated in a roundtable with President Obama and other leaders.

She said she was amazed by "the excitement and enthusiasm in the room."

Forber-Pratt said she hopes to see improved educational and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

"We’ve come a long way … but the unemployment rate’s high. Anything we can do to try to change that is wonderful," she said Friday, before spending time at a camp for children with transverse myelitis. "This is only the beginning of a lot more change to come."

Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder that left Forber-Pratt paralyzed from the waste down. But, she didn't let her disability prevent her from becoming an elite wheelchair racer.

Garafalo is assistant director of Youth Power, a New York advocacy organization for children with disabilities.

Garafalo said he was never at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, but growing up with ADHD helps him relate to the children he is helping and vice versa.

"I had to learn to manage it," he said. "I try to convey to the kids that your disability does not have to define you."

Brian Benson can be reached at 508-626-3964 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com.